Method for detecting microorganisms without a culturing step, useful particularly for detecting potential germ warfare agents, uses a cantilever coated with specific binding material for the target organism

摘要

Method for detecting a microorganism or bacterium (A) without culture comprises (a) preparing a cantilever or spring beam with a coating that contains bacteriophage particles, or derived proteins or adhesins, or their fragments, that bind host-specifically to (A), except for antibodies, their fragments or genetically engineered derivatives; and (b), after contact with the test sample, measuring any change in the resonance frequency of the cantilever/beam. Independent claims are also included for: (1) similar method for detecting host cells (B), where the bacteriophage (or derivatives) is replaced by a virus particle, or derived proteins or adhesins (or their fragments) that bind to (B); (2) similar method for detecting viruses and bacteriophages (C) in which the bacteriophage is replaced by a host cell (or derived receptor protein or fragments) that binds specifically to (C); and (3) device for performing the new methods.